Christa Ackroyd sacked by BBC over alleged contract breach

Ms Ackroyd had co-presented Look North since 2001

Christa Ackroyd, the co-presenter of the BBC's Look North programme, has been sacked by the corporation.

Ms Ackroyd joined the BBC in 2001 from the Yorkshire TV Calendar show, which she had presented from 1990 with the late Richard Whiteley.

A BBC spokeswoman said it terminated her contract because it considered there was a breach of contract.

Ms Ackroyd, who has not been on air since March, said she looked forward to the "next phase" as a journalist.

In a statement, the BBC said: "We can confirm that Christa Ackroyd will not be returning to the BBC and her presenting role with regional news programme Look North (Yorkshire).

"We wish Christa the best for the future and thank her for the contribution she has made to the programme over the last 12 years."

'No gagging clause'

Born and educated in Bradford, Ms Ackroyd started her career at the Halifax Courier where she worked for four years.

After that she moved into radio, first Pennine Radio then Radio Aire, where she became the country's first female radio news editor.

Speaking to BBC Yorkshire Political Editor, Len Tingle, the corporation's press office said no extra payment had been made to the former presenter and she had not been subjected to a so-called "gagging clause".

A press office spokeswoman said she could not give further details of the alleged breach of contract and told him it was "too early" to make a decision about the programme's future presenter line-up.

In a statement Ms Ackroyd said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years at BBC Look North.

"I wish all my colleagues there all the very best for the future.

"They are a dedicated and talented team and I've been proud to work alongside them - particularly with my friend of many years, Harry Gration.

"I look forward to the next phase as a Yorkshire journalist of more than 30 years standing."